Entertainment critic Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo has criticised Stonebwoy’s official public relations representative, Vida Adutwumwaa, and media personality MC Yaa Yeboah, for the role they played in the current backlash the artists is receiving after his BHIM Festival held at London’s OVO Arena.
Speaking on UTV’s United Showbiz, Arnold questioned the wisdom behind the decision of the two media personalities who are associated with Stonebwoy’s PR machinery, joining the mockery of Shatta Wale following the cancellation of his ShattaFest UK.
According to Arnold, there had been instances where Shatta Wale was mocked following reports surrounding the cancellation of his UK event, including claims that people were already preparing food at the venue because the event had been called off.
He argued that once Vida and Yaa, as people involved in Stonebwoy’s public relations, participated in such exchanges, they should not be surprised when supporters of Shatta Wale eventually retaliated when Stonebwoy found himself at the centre of a similar controversy.
Arnold argued that the earlier mockery of Shatta Wale had created an atmosphere in which his supporters would naturally seize the opportunity to respond when Stonebwoy became the subject of criticism.
He stressed that Vida and Yaa should have left the rivalry and mockery to the respective fanbases, rather than becoming actively involved in it as PR professionals.
According to him, people working as public relations representatives for artistes have a responsibility to remain professional and help maintain peace, particularly when the artistes they represent are already competing for similar awards, recognition and opportunities.
Arnold further argued that the competition between Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale makes it difficult for fans of either artiste to accept narratives that appear to diminish their favourite while elevating the other.
He suggested that if Stonebwoy’s team attempts to create the impression that Shatta Wale has achieved nothing while presenting Stonebwoy as the artiste who has achieved everything, it will inevitably provoke a reaction from Shatta Wale’s supporters.
The remarks came after Vida called into the programme to defend the decision to use curtains at the OVO Arena and to maintain that the event was sold out despite the widespread public debate over whether Stonebwoy actually filled the entire auditorium.